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When I cut flowers (typically daylilies) from my garden and bring them inside, I often find I am treated to a barrage of flies over the next few days. I'm going to guess that there are maggot larvae within the flowers, which matures inside my home.

I'd also like to bring in my peonies, but they are covered in ants. If a different technique is applicable for them, I'd like to know.

I love the idea of bringing my garden inside, but not at the expense of harboring an indoor insect colony. Is there a way to kill the insects/larvae (with or preferably without chemicals?)

Lorem Ipsum
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glenviewjeff
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5 Answers5

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Inspect your flowers before bringing them inside; if you see insects on them, give them a gentle shake or dislodge the critters by hand with something like a small, soft paintbrush. Another option is to cut the flowers in the early morning and let them sit in a bucket of water outside in the shade for a few hours before bringing them inside; the insects will often leave on their own. I've been bringing cut flowers in for years and find this usually works just fine. I wouldn't go to the effort of killing insects that are there naturally.

Shanna
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  1. chemically, you may use a spray containing malathion @ 1% with a sticker-spreader. it is a relatively safe pesticide.
  2. organically, neem (azadiracta ) emulsion @ 2% you may use with a sticker-spreader.

both are safe on flowers. spray during a mild weather when the plant is not under any stress.

amitav
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Tip to remove tiny bugs in rose petals of blooms I cut from garden for arrangements: after initial cut of rose stems, a quick up-down motion of dipping rose heads in bucket of water, then a gentle shake, and rest, with stem submerged in water, and a second, fresh stem cut whilst under the water, and few seconds rest in water before moving them into vase. Nearly all insects are gone in the dipping step, BUT THE PETALS DO APPEAR A BIT DAMAGED, a tiny rim of BROWNING appears ON EDGES, ESPECIALLY AS DAYS PASS. SO, bugs, or longevity, seems the only choice. Any other ideas?

April Wood
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Try Diatomaceous earth. It's non toxic and doesn't hurt insects. You can also try spritzing your flowers with a solution of water and one tsp of dish soap.

Tammy J. Mackie
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Bring in buds not open flowers = no bugs. This works with peonies every time. Plus you get to watch them bloom. That's a win-win. You're welcome.

Chris
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